eHive - Food Museum

Name/TitleSelf-Binding Reaper

About this objectA self-binding reaper used at Cedars Farm, Combs, from about the Second World War, or soon after, to the mid-1960s. On the last occasion it was used, it actually cut grass, not corn. It is made by the Canadian firm Massey-Harris, whose name is painted on the binder in two places.

MakerMassey-Harris Ltd.

Maker RoleManufacturer

Place MadeCanada

Inscription and MarksMassey-Harris painted on the binder in two places.

MeasurementsTerms for reaper given below are taken from Ramsower's 'Equipment for the Farm & Farmstead'.
Length of body: 12 foot 6 inches
Greatest Width: 10 foot
Total Height: 7 foot 3 inches
Spindle: 6 foot 10 inches
Spokes: 2 foot 8 inches
Fans: 6 foot 2 inches x 2 3/4 inches x 1/2 inch (thick)
Platiform: 6 foot 5 inches x 4 foot 5 inches (wide)
Elevator: 3 foot 7 inches x 4 foot 2 inches (wide)
Deck: 2 foot 6 inches x 5 foot 6 inches (wide)
Wheels: 2 foot 1 inch x 3 inches (wide)
Track: 6 foot 7 inches
Drum: 2 foot 6 inches x 9 1/2 inches (wide)
Front Wheel: 2 foot 1 1/2 inches x 3 inches (wide)
Pole Projecting: 3 foot 10 inches
Cutter: 6 foot 10 inches with 27 teeth

Object numberSTMEA:A.4690